The City of Busselton has announced Australia Day controls at two popular beaches and warned the public to be on their best behaviour. Mayor Grant Henley said anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated at Meelup Beach or Castle Rock beach. “Celebrating Australia Day at the beach is a long-held tradition for many people,” he said. “Out of control parties, loutish behaviour, the dumping of rubbish and trampling of native vegetation are not examples of Australian pride.” The City of Busselton statement said large numbers of locals and holiday-makers were expected to descend on the coast and the city wanted to maintain a family friendly atmosphere. It stated there had been notable improvement in behaviour and the amount of litter dropped at these locations over the years, but some people still disrespected the environment and gave no consideration to the comfort of others on the day. Interagency controls will be put in place to ensure public safety, including water safety, parking compliance and litter prevention. Traffic Management will be set up to restrict access into Meelup Beach and Castle Rock Beach, with parking at these beaches limited to designated parking areas only. City of Busselton Rangers will be attending Meelup Park early in the morning and throughout the day to enforce parking controls and to discourage large groups from setting up party equipment or amplified music that may impact the enjoyment of others. Marine vessels from the Department of Transport and Parks and Wildlife Services will patrol the Meelup Park coast throughout the day checking on vessel speed, overloading and being in non-motorised vessel areas. Local Police will also be on hand to deal with anti-social or criminal behaviour.

City of Busselton Australia Day controls

Meelup Beach is often a site of celebration. Here it is packed with 2017 Leavers. Image Sophie Elliott.

The City of Busselton has announced Australia Day controls at two popular beaches and warned the public to be on their best behaviour.

Mayor Grant Henley said anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated at Meelup Beach or Castle Rock beach.

“Celebrating Australia Day at the beach is a long-held tradition for many people,” he said.

“Out of control parties, loutish behaviour, the dumping of rubbish and trampling of native vegetation are not examples of Australian pride.”

The City of Busselton statement said large numbers of locals and holiday-makers were expected to descend on the coast and the city wanted to maintain a family friendly atmosphere.

It stated there had been notable improvement in behaviour and the amount of litter dropped at these locations over the years, but some people still disrespected the environment and gave no consideration to the comfort of others on the day.

Interagency controls will be put in place to ensure public safety, including water safety, parking compliance and litter prevention.

Traffic Management will be set up to restrict access into Meelup Beach and Castle Rock Beach, with parking at these beaches limited to designated parking areas only.

City of Busselton Rangers will be attending Meelup Park early in the morning and throughout the day to enforce parking controls and to discourage large groups from setting up party equipment or amplified music that may impact the enjoyment of others.

Marine vessels from the Department of Transport and Parks and Wildlife Services will patrol the Meelup Park coast throughout the day checking on vessel speed, overloading and being in non-motorised vessel areas.

Local Police will also be on hand to deal with anti-social or criminal behaviour.